New president marks leadership shift at CMI

The Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), the key trade group for the US metal can industry, has announced a major leadership change.

After nearly four decades of service, longtime president Robert Budway is retiring, with Scott Breen, the current senior vice president of sustainability, appointed as his successor.

The transition, ratified by CMI’s board of governors, will officially take place on 9 June. Budway will continue supporting the organisation as a transition advisor through the end of 2025.

Thomas Fischer, CMI chairman and vice president of investor relations & corporate affairs at Crown Holdings, Inc., praised Budway’s legacy: “Robert has made an enduring impact on the metal can sector, guiding the association through decades of growth and complex challenges. We thank him for his leadership and dedication. Scott’s deep expertise in sustainability and policy, combined with his collaborative style, make him ideally suited to lead CMI into the future.”

Budway, who joined CMI in 1986 and became president in 1995, has been instrumental in expanding membership and driving key initiatives in public policy, communications and sustainability. Before joining CMI, Budway worked on the US House Ways and Means Committee. He holds a BA from Boston University and a JD from Northwestern School of Law at Lewis and Clark College.

Reflecting on his retirement, Budway said, “It’s been an honour to serve this vital industry. I’m proud of our accomplishments and confident that Scott will continue advancing our mission, ensuring the metal can remains a competitive, sustainable packaging leader globally.”

Scott Breen joined CMI in 2019 and has championed the metal can’s sustainability strengths, helping shape federal and state policy and launching initiatives such as CMI’s recycling roadmap aimed at boosting aluminium can recycling rates. He also chairs the board of The Recycling Partnership.

Breen expressed enthusiasm for his new role: “I’m grateful for Robert’s leadership and excited to build on his legacy. Our future depends on collaboration across our members, staff and partners to promote policies that foster industry growth.”

Before CMI, Breen worked with the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation and NOAA and co-hosted the podcast Sustainability Defined. He holds degrees from Georgetown University and Indiana University, including a JD and a master of public affairs.

This leadership handover marks a significant moment for CMI as it continues to advocate for sustainable, innovative packaging solutions within the metal can industry.